Steve Matthews' Belmont at the Big A selections for Sunday, July 7
Best bet: AWESOME ANNMARIE (1)
Best value: CAROL T (7)
FIRST: Awesome Annmarie was a determined winner in last and owns faster back numbers; more to come. Willful Desire is speedy and could prove very tough on a soft lead. Maggie T is fresh and can win from on or off the pace; dangerous.
SECOND: City Man logged most recent win after layoff last summer; history repeats. Spirit of St. Louis owns seven wins and two seconds from nine starts; obviously could take this. Jerry the Nipper could play out as the speed of the speed with aggressive handling.
THIRD: Crash the Gate makes first start with maiden-claiming tag; tight, recent work tab seals the deal. Typhoon Fury owns fast late-pace figures on best efforts; big-time threat. Betta Go Go Go should be aided by cutback to 6 furlongs.
FOURTH: Empire Magic tallied fast final fraction when third in debut; added sixteenth should play to strength. Funny Forecast has win-early pedigree and makes first start for low-profile but capable barn; don't ignore. Happy's Smile was a clear-cut second in most recent start; must consider.
FIFTH: Silver Skillet was a front-running winner in last; pairs up. Whatlovelookslike is training with a purpose for first start since last fall; more than good enough on best. Lisa's Vision should move forward with return to turf.
SIXTH: McDiesel is firing bullets for debut; best guess in 11-horse field with seven newcomers. Richard Ave failed to deliver on heavy tote support in first start; move to grass helps? Shoot the Waves is from a dam that has produced a turf winner; worth a look.
SEVENTH: Carol T spun her wheels in the slop last time after fast-figured win two back; return to dry land is key. Scoring Chance packs strong kick on "A" efforts; dangerous. Capital Gal should improve with return to dirt; right in the thick of this.
EIGHTH: Collaboration is rested and projects as the main speed with Kendrick Carmouche aboard. Mrs. Astor will be in the garden spot if pace meltdown ensues. Sacred Image is another that would be aided by fast fractions.
NINTH: Starlight Dancer should find today's longer trip right in her wheelhouse. Quite Continental made strong late run in only turf start; very playable. Superstarsusan is fresh and owns competitive numbers; dangerous. Pinstripepizzo makes third start of form cycle and returns to maiden-claiming ranks; must be factored into the mix.
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